COMMUNITY leaders are making final preparations for the opening of a new village centre in east Durham.

The handing over keys of the Thornley Village Centre in Thornley, by Durham County Council, marks the culmination of a long campaign by residents for the new facility.

The purpose-built £650,000 building will be the hub for a host of activities ranging from coffee mornings and mother and toddler groups to social evenings, projects and parties.

It replaces the former facility which closed in February 2013 and has been built following extensive consultation.

The centre is run by a management committee of local residents.

It has been funded by Durham County Council, Thornley Parish Council, as well as the neighbourhood budgets of local county councillors, Councillor Lucy Hovels, Councillor Morris Nicholls and Councillor Peter Brookes.

Money for the building was also set aside as part of the nearby Crossways Hotel housing development.

Parish council chairman and committee treasurer Joyce Unsworth said: “We are delighted with the new facility. It’s by the people for the people.

“We haven’t had access to a centre for social events and for booking for quite a while now. It has been in the planning for over 10 years.

“The parish council contributed to the build so they could have their office space here.”

As well a room for the parish council, the centre features a drop-meeting meeting room, a kitchen and a main hall.

The committee has already had people interested in dance classes, fitness sessions, and an arts group.

The centre can also be used for information advice and guidance sessions and the hope is to have youth provision based in the centre too.

Mrs Unsworth said: “The main effort now is going to be focussed on raising funds for facilities outdoors.

“We are surrounded by fields which can be used. A five-a-side field is among the proposals.”

Councillor Neil Forster, county council cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “We are delighted we have been able to provide a centre that will cater for a broad range of community needs in a fully accessible and modern environment.

“It’s also good to see that the centre is being managed by local people for local people.”

Bookings will be taken from Monday, September 1, on 01429-824126.

A drop-in session will be held for those who have already expressed an interest in using the centre from 10am to 12.30pm on Monday September 8.

It is expected to open for business in mid-October.